Monthly Archives: June 2012

Obie Award-winning theater artist Roger Guenveur Smith returns to New Orleans with the local premiere of FREDERICK DOUGLASS NOW. Smith’s interpretation of Douglass’ classic 19th century texts casts the abolitionist and pioneering feminist in a contemporary light, illumin…ating the continuing struggle against racism, sexism, and economic deprivation.

Smith’s other stage credits include A HUEY P. NEWTON STORY, which he adapted into a Peabody Award-winning telefilm directed by Spike Lee, after an acclaimed run at CAC; and, with Mark Broyard, the New Orleans-inspired INSIDE THE CREOLE MAFIA, also at CAC, and most recently, at Dillard University, with music by Branford Marsalis. Roger’s extensive work on screen includes DO THE RIGHT THING, MALCOLM X, GET ON THE BUS, HE GOT GAME, EVE’S BAYOU, DEEP COVER, KING OF NEW YORK, ALL ABOUT THE BENJAMINS, MOOZ-LUM, and AMERICAN GANGSTER, for which he was nominated for the Screen Actors’ Guild Award.

Television viewers know him from the HBO series OZ, K STREET, and UNCHAINED MEMORIES: READINGS FROM THE SLAVE NARRATIVES.

After more than a year of planning and research, we are officially launching the Lower Ninth Ward Living Museum!

While we are still in the planning stages, many of the pieces are falling into place rather quickly. Kurston and Alex are working on the logo, brochures, and business cards, and Nick has joined them on designing a fancy new website. Nick is also working with Miss Kim and Rachel to develop canvassing databases and paperwork for continued community outreach. Smitty is training the staff on history and traditions in the neighborhood, while Stephanie and Shylana are planning our first cultural event. Madi and Sara are busy conducting in-depth research for each exhibit, and Aaron and Becca are working on background research for a book about Katrina.

Neighbors Jeffrey, Tyrell, Yasmine, and Yari are making lots of great pictures to put on the office walls, and Tony, another neighbor, is fixing our roof. It’s truly a group effort!

Aside from the occasional 1:30 a.m. rooster wake-up calls and the pigeons who have roosted in the attic, all is going well. This has been an amazing experience so far.